Providence Park – stadium description

The stadium in western Portland was opened as a baseball field back in 1893. Since 1926 it has significant stands, shaped from the start to form the letter J. Northern curve and western straight grandstands are still standing today, although obviously went through a series of major renovations. All of the initial roof was eventually replaced, while a corporate pavilion was created in the north-western part of the stands.

Changing demand for various disciplines and increasing role of MLS-aspiring Portland Timbers proved crucial in reconfiguration of the stadium from baseball to soccer and American football-specific.

In 2009 it was decided that an eastern stand would be built, making the stadium rectangular in terms of field dimensions. The “Axe Stand” was largely clad with wood, quite the material one would expect from the timber region. There was still room for expansion as Timbers sold out quite commonly and generated a large waiting list for season tickets.

Precisely for that reason the timber-clad pavilion and roof built in 2009/10 were dismantled in 2017, making room for addition of truly impressive collection of 3 upper balconies, raising capacity by roughly 4,000 seats. On top of the new structure a new roof, sloping inwards.

 Meanwhile the football importance of this place seems to be growing. After hosting two Women’s World Cups (1999, 2003) the stadium  went on to even host USA’s national team and a Costa Rica – Cuba Gold Cup clashes in 2013. In 2014 it was the site of MLS All-Star game.